Another Very Creative Police Recruitment Strategy

Earlier this year, I reported on a very creative police recruitment strategy. The strategy was in response to a disturbing trend in law enforcement which is, recruiting cops ain’t easy. According to the Police Executive Research Forum, hiring has been a challenge, with many applicants failing to meet minimum eligibility requirements. Resignations and retirements have been higher than in previous years, and officers are seeking jobs outside of urban policing. This is causing an already stressful occupation to become even more hazardous. The International Association of Chiefs of Police cited the issue this way…

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, despite an increase in the raw number of law enforcement jobs, a more considerable growth in U.S. population has actually led to a slow decline in the ratio of residents to police officers.2 As a result, officers are responsible for serving more people—often with fewer resources.

In light of these challenges, who can blame authorities for being as creative as possible to fill their ranks? Is there a step too far? Some would say yes and that this latest recruitment drive is it. The National Pulse reported…

Immigrants without U.S. citizenship will soon be able to get badges and guns, and authorized to arrest Americans in the nation’s capital, as the city’s Police Department (DC MPD) struggles to recruit and retain police officers. New hires, including non-citizen green card holders, will even be offered up to $25,000 in signing bonuses.

“As an agency, we truly believe that a workforce that represents our community brings a variety of ideas, experiences, and perspectives. Together, this blend drives innovation and growth,” said Ashan Benedict, Interim Chief of Police, whose own parents are Sri Lankan immigrants.

Is DC the only area that will allow non-citizens to act as police? Nope.

  • In California, anyone who can legally work in the state under federal law can be a police officer, regardless of citizenship.
  • Colorado has no citizenship requirement or law enforcement officer positions. The cities of Aurora, CO and Boulder, CO do not maintain a citizenship requirement either, but applicants must at least be lawful permanent residents. Denver, CO and El Paso, CO, however, instituted their own citizenship requirements for applicants seeking law enforcement jobs. However, Denver’s citizenship requirement is in its city charter, but only applies to the city’s police and fire departments, and not the Denver Sheriff’s Department. After legal action from the U.S. Department of Justice in 2016 for turning away non-citizen applicants in the absence of a formal citizenship requirement, the Denver Sheriff’s Department now hires non-citizen applicants.
  • Vermont has no citizenship requirement, but Burlington, VT requires that applicants be at least lawful permanent residents. West Virginia has no citizenship requirement, but Huntington, WV has established its own citizenship requirement.
  • In Illinois, a bill (House Bill 3751) that would allow non-U.S. citizens to become police officers in the state is now on the governor’s desk. The bill would change the current federal law that states only U.S. citizens can serve as police officers and deputies.

The original press release announcing the change in DC law is no longer available, but screenshots of the release can be seen below.

As you might imagine, the idea of hiring non-citizens to police Americans has been met with passionate resistance and tolerance, depending on which side of the political aisle you are on.

People who argue for non-citizens to police Americans say, in so many words:

  • Police departments across the United States are struggling to find qualified candidates to serve as officers, and allowing non-citizens to apply would expand the pool of potential recruits.
  • Non-citizens with legal status can enlist in the U.S. military and risk their lives in combat, so they should also be able to serve as police officers.
  • Allowing non-citizens to serve as police officers could help increase diversity in law enforcement agencies, which is important for building trust with communities of color.
  • Non-citizens may have valuable foreign language skills that could be useful in law enforcement.

And the opponents of this action, have this to say:

  • The right of states to restrict police recruiting based on citizenship rests on a 1978 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that upheld the New York State Police’s refusal to accept the application of a legal permanent resident named Edmund.
  • Some people argue that government authority should be embodied by citizens.
  • There are concerns about the potential security risks of allowing non-citizens to serve as police officers.
  • Some people argue that non-citizens should not be allowed to serve as police officers until they become citizens.

As for me, I think it opens up a Pandora’s box of unintended consequences. Among them…

  • Legal and Jurisdictional Challenges: Law enforcement in the United States is generally a function of local, state, and federal governments, each with its own set of rules, responsibilities, and laws. Allowing non-citizens to serve as police officers could raise questions about jurisdiction and the authority to enforce laws on American citizens.
  • National Security Concerns: Law enforcement agencies have access to sensitive information and play a crucial role in safeguarding national security. Allowing non-citizens to have access to such information could raise concerns about espionage, loyalty, and the potential for foreign influence.
  • Political Implications: The appointment of non-citizens as police officers could lead to political controversies, debates, and division among the American public, with some supporting the idea as a means of diversity and inclusion, while others may view it as a threat to national identity and security.
  • Public Trust and Confidence: The public’s trust in law enforcement is essential for effective policing. Allowing non-citizens to police Americans may result in reduced trust and confidence in the police force, leading to difficulties in carrying out their duties effectively.
  • Recruitment and Training: The process of recruiting and training non-citizen police officers might require additional resources and considerations to ensure they understand American laws, cultural norms, and their responsibilities as law enforcement officials.
  • Immigration and Naturalization Concerns: Policemen and women are often granted certain legal powers and authorities, and non-citizens may face legal challenges when it comes to exercising such powers, particularly if there are conflicts with immigration or naturalization laws.
  • Impact on International Relations: If non-citizen police officers are drawn from specific countries or regions, it could impact diplomatic relations with those countries and may lead to international tensions if any issues arise from their policing actions.

But that’s just my opinion, what do you think? Please leave your comments below. Inquiring minds want to know.

 

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